Examples of ENSO-Society Interactions

Dengue Epidemics and the El Niño Southern Oscillation

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The main vector of dengue is the domesticated mosquito Aedes aegypti which breeds in urban environments in artificial containers that hold water. Dengue can also be transmitted by the cold tolerant species Aedes albopictus . The transmission of dengue can be affected by both temperature and rainfall. Dengue incidence is seasonal and is usually associated with warmer, more humid weather. There is evidence that increased rainfall in many locations can affect the vector density and transmission potential. ENSO may also act indirectly by causing changes in water storage practices brought about by disruption of regular supplies (WHO 1998). Rainfall may affect the breeding of mosquitoes but this may be less important in urban areas, as Aedes aegypti breed in small containers, such as plant pots, which often contain water in the absence of rain.